My first week with a smartphone

I AM 40 years of age. I just got my first smartphone. Along with a bottle of water, the smartphone has become an indispensable accessory. I’m beginning to understand why. I’ve just put down a week using one. I have long been aware of its attractions, despite my technophobia.

Michelle, my beautiful wife, is Venezuelan. We have a 14-month-old daughter, Chloe. Every day, I marvel at the stream of photos and videos Michelle sends to Chloe’s abuela [granny] and aunts in Caracas, so they can follow Chloe’s development.

Recently, they’ve been talking on FaceTime, so Michelle’s mother can sings nursery rhymes in Spanish to Chloe and watch her reactions.